Nobody wants to be the driver stranded at the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle…luckily, vehicle failure is not inevitable. With some insider knowledge and by making a few simple preparations, it’s often possible to prevent a breakdown.
Here we take a look at the most common causes of car breakdown, along with the recommended steps to take when your car breaks down.
We also consider what you can do to prepare for a potential breakdown, reduce the risk of it occurring and ensure you’ve got everything needed to “make the best of a bad job” should a breakdown occur.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of A Car Breakdown?
Recent studies show that the most common causes of breakdown include:
- Battery failure
- Problems with the alternator
- Some type of electrical problem
- A faulty wheel or tyre
- Problems with keys, the ignition or the security system
- Filling up with the wrong fuel, or running out of fuel
- Starter motor problems
Whilst it’s possible for almost anything to cause a breakdown, these are the most likely culprits!
Steps To Take When Your Car Breaks Down
- If possible, park the vehicle in a safe location. At the very least, try to steer it off the main carriageway.
- Ensure the safety of passengers; if the vehicle has come to a stop on the road, or if you’re in an exposed location, they need to leave the vehicle and wait in as safe a location as you can find.
- If you feel competent to do so, carry out some preliminary checks to see if the problem is something you can fix – a flat tyre, for example, can be remedied by removing the affected wheel and fitting the spare.
- If you don’t know what the problem is, or don’t feel competent to fix it, you’ll probably need to call out a breakdown service. Alternatively, you may have a friend with a tow truck or a local garage that you use (remember that friends and local garages don’t usually offer 24-hour service!).
What Can You Do To Prepare For A Potential Breakdown?
- It’s common sense to ensure that your vehicle is kept in as good a condition as possible and that any faults you notice are promptly rectified. In most cases, a fault will generate warning signs (dashboard warning lights, odd noises, changes in handling or similar. If you notice any of these, get them fixed – don’t wait for total failure!)
- Before making a long trip, check the oil level and the tire pressures. Ensure the vehicle is filled up with the correct fuel.
- Particularly if carrying passengers, make sure that you carry appropriate outdoor clothing, food, water and essential medication.
- Depending on the weather and the terrain, it may make sense to carry a shovel and/or carpet offcuts (these can be used to help release a vehicle that’s stuck in the mud).
If you do end up with a breakdown, the team at OVR are here to help with breakdown towing, 24/7 roadside assistance and vehicle recovery 24/7.
Call on 08 8952 10 87.